Today is National Oatmeal Day

Today is National Oatmeal Day - and since oatmeal is the world's most versatile and familiar foods, it is well worth celebrating! Let's look at some interesting facts about oatmeal - did you know . . .

• Oatmeal was the last of the cereal grains to be domesticated by western society 3,000 year ago, and came from weeds which grew in fields prepared for other crops.
• Ancient Romans saw oats as an unfortunate and diseased wheat and used them as cheap horse food.
• The fiber within oats is more soluble than any other grain. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and turns into a thick, viscous gel, which moves slowly through the body. This means it keeps you full for long periods of time.
• Soluble fiber also slows down the body’s process of glucose absorption and inhibits re-absorption of bile into the system, meaning you avoid sugar highs and lows while your liver gets its needed cholesterol from your blood.
• Oatmeal is one of the healthiest grains on earth. They’re gluten free, rich in antioxidants, and help you lose weight, lower your blood sugar, and reduce risks of heart disease.
• The "Quaker Man" has adorned Quaker Oats since 1877, when he became the first registered trademark for a breakfast cereal in America. Funny, but true story - when my oldest grandchild was two, he saw a box of Quaker Oats on my table - pointed to the Quaker Oats Man and said, "Grandma!". I said, "Wait a minute you funny child. That is a man, NOT grandma!" So then this sweet child pointed at the Quaker Oats Man again and said with a rascally smile, "Lynda!" Funny child.
• According to research, an estimated 75 percent of U.S. households have oatmeal in their kitchens right now.
• Oats are a hardy grain. They tolerate rain well (better than most grains), and can be planted in fall or springtime. Plus, oatmeal is a staple of food culture the world over.
• Oatmeal cookies are the number one non-cereal usage for oatmeal, followed by meatloaf.
• Oatmeal is a bargain at less than 15 cents a serving. It’s one of the cheapest think you can eat to keep you alive. 
• Vermont is the biggest consumer of oatmeal in the United States. Denmark is tops in world consumption of oats followed by Belarus, Norway, The U.K. and Finland.

You will find more oat facts at this link and this link. If you would like a tasty recipe to try with oats consider these wonderful no-bakes . . . 

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup cocoa
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 6 cups oats

In a large microwave-safe bowl combine sugar, cocoa, milk, butter and peanut butter. Microwave for two and a half minutes. Stir and add chocolate chips then microwave for two additional minutes. Stir until smooth and add oats then mix until oats are covered. Drop by spoonful on pan/plate covered with wax paper. I keep them in my refrigerator. 

These no-bakes are tasty and since I cut the sugar from four cups to just one cup, the ingredients are mostly very healthy! Mix up a batch and enjoy! Grab the children you love and some oats and make something tasty today! Enjoy!